DSC Thermograms Research Articles

Phase Evolution, Stability and Magnetic Behavior of Lightweight Al–Fe Aluminide‐Based Nanocomposites Processed by Mechanical Alloying, Cryomilling, and Annealing

Attempts are made to synthesize Al5Fe2 aluminide‐based composites by mechanical alloying (MA) and cryomilling (CM). The XRD and TEM results of the milled samples confirm the formation of a major B2‐AlFe phase (0.2887 ± 0.0003 nm; cP2) along with the minor amount of Al5Fe2 phase. Nanocrystalline grains of ≈16 nm and an average particle size of 4.0 ± 0.36 μm are evident. A significant refinement in the crystallite size (≈10 nm) and average particle size (1.0 ± 0.03 μm) is achieved after 10 h CM of 60 h MAed powder. CM enhances the phase fraction of the Al5Fe2 phase. The DSC thermogram discerns three exothermic heating events due to phase transformation. These can be corroborated by the structural transformation of the B2‐AlFe phase to the orthorhombic Al5Fe2 phase. The phase obtained as a result of 60 h of MA transforms to orthorhombic Al5Fe2 along with a minor amount of pre‐existing B2‐AlFe structure after annealing at 600 °C. It becomes more stable after annealing at 900 °C. Further, the 60 h milled sample displays soft ferromagnetic properties. The saturation magnetization decreases on CM and annealing due to phase transition from B2‐AlFe to Al5Fe2 phase. Coercivity is reduced when the MA sample is annealed due to an increase in crystallite size and a reduction in lattice strain.

Preparation of atorvastatin calcium-loaded liposomes using thin-film hydration and coaxial micromixing methods: A comparative study

Development of techniques to produce nanoformulations in a controlled and reproducible manner is of great importance for research, clinical trials, and industrial scale-up. This research aimed to introduce a cost-effective micromixing approach for the nanoassembly of liposomes and compared with thin-film hydration (TFH) method. Numerical simulations and design of experiments (DOE) by response surface methodology (RSM) were used to evaluate the effects of input parameters on liposome properties, aiming to identify optimal conditions. Anionic liposomes without or with atorvastatin calcium (ATC) produced using TFH and the micromixing methods showed similar characteristics in size (150–190 nm), PDI (<0.2), and zeta potential (−50 to −60 mV). Both methods achieved about 70 % encapsulation efficiency with similar drug release profile for ATC-containing liposomes. Analysis of stability and DSC thermograms revealed comparable outcomes for liposomes prepared using both techniques. Nanoliposomes produced via both approaches indicated similar in vitro biological performance regarding cellular uptake and cell viability. The micromixing approach presented an alternative method to produce nanoliposomes in a one-step manner with high controllability and reproducibility without requiring specialized equipment. Compatibility of the micromixer with various solvents, including those detrimental to conventional microfluidic materials like PDMS and thermoplastics, enables exploration of a wide range of formulations.

Epoxy nanocomposites with dual filler system: Improving surface protection against wear and thermocyclic corrosion

This investigation explores the influence of dual nanofillers - multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and silicon nitride nanoparticles (SiN) - on the properties of epoxy (EP). Analyses of tribological characteristics show hybrid nanocomposite of 0.25/ 0.75 wt% of SiN/MWCNT filler system improves the wear resistance by 96 % compared to EP. Raman spectroscopy reveals a novel curing mechanism induced by SiN nanoparticles when incorporated into epoxy at room temperature, while DSC thermograms show SiN's role in enhancing the crosslinking density. Creep studies indicate that EP/SiN nanocomposites at 0.5 wt% loading reduced the creep rate by 99 % compared to EP over a 10-min duration at 60 °C. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) illustrates a significant increase in storage modulus and a 13 °C increment in the glass transition temperature (Tg) for 0.5 wt% EP/SiN nanocomposites. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) ascertained the homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers in hybrid nanocomposites, suggesting improved and uniform stress transfer. SiN-based composites are more effective than MWCNT-based composites in protecting mild steel from corrosion with a coating efficiency of 87 %. The potential of SiN to reduce free amine groups responsible for the corrosion process is presented, while physisorption tests are conducted to evaluate pore size and volume in the corroded samples. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) is employed to analyze worn-out and corroded surfaces comprehensively. In EMI shielding, SiN reduces reflectivity without affecting the absorptive capacity of MWCNTs, making them suitable for coatings in stealth applications.

Development and characterization of gastro-floating sustained-release granules for enhanced bioavailability of patchouli oil

Patchouli oil (PO), extracted from Pogostemon cablin Benth., a prominent aromatic plant of the Lamiaceae family, has shown considerable protective effects against gastrointestinal infections, particularly those induced by Helicobacter pylori. This study aimed to develop a gastro-floating multi-unit system for PO to enhance its gastric retention and oral bioavailability. MethodsThe oil-laden granules were prepared using colloidal silicon dioxide (CSD) for oil adsorption and to provide buoyancy, along with ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) to form a sustained-release matrix. The CSD exhibited favorable characteristics for oil adsorption and floating. Compatibility between PO and CSD was affirmed through DSC thermograms and FTIR spectra. The obtained granules demonstrated a sustained release profile, achieving over 90 % release within 10 h without an initial burst. After oral administration, the granules were observed to remain in the gastric region of rats for over 7 h. The bioavailability of patchouli alcohol from the optimized granules was significantly higher than that from of the PO-loaded powders. The gastro-floating sustained-release granules, based on a CSD/EC/HPMC matrix, offer a simple yet effective strategy to improve the delivery efficacy of PO against Helicobacter pylori infections in the gastric region.

Adjustment of Electronic (OMe and NO2) and Steric (CHPh2) Effects in Bis(imino)pyridinyliron Precatalysts for Producing High Molecular Weight Linear PE

AbstractBased on variations in steric and electronic substituents in the N‐aryl unit, a set of five 2‐[1‐(arylimino)ethyl]‐6‐[1‐(2‐benzhydryl‐4‐nitro‐6‐methoxyphenylimino)ethyl]pyridyliron dichloride complexes (where aryl=2,6‐dimethylphenyl (Fe‐Me2), 2,6‐diethylphenyl (Fe‐Et2), 2,6‐diisopropyl (Fe‐iPr2), 2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl (Fe‐Me3), 2,6‐diethyl‐4‐methylphenyl (Fe‐Et2Me)) were synthesized and investigated for ethylene polymerization. Their structures and compositions were confirmed by FTIR, elemental analysis, and X‐ray diffraction analysis (Fe‐Et2 and Fe‐iPr2), revealing a distorted square pyramidal geometry around the iron center. When activated in situ with MAO or MMAO, these iron complexes acted as highly active precatalysts, achieving activity levels up to 29.0×106 gPE molFe−1 h−1 for a 5‐min reaction at 60 °C. A notable characteristic of these precatalysts is their high thermal stability, maintaining significant activity (2.0×106 gPE molFe−1 h−1) at temperatures up to 100 °C. Importantly, the incorporation of strong electron‐withdrawing groups in the ligand structure favored the production of polyethylene with high molecular weights (up to 407.5 kg mol−1) across various reaction conditions, surpassing those of most previously reported iron complexes. Moreover, less hindered iron precatalysts showed higher activity compared to more hindered ones. However, the trend reversed when comparing the molecular weight of obtained polyethylene: more sterically hindered precatalysts yielded higher molecular weight polymers. The molecular weight distributions ranged from monomodal to bimodal with broad dispersity. DSC thermograms and 1H/13C NMR spectra of the polyethylene confirmed its highly linear microstructure, evidenced by sharp endothermic peaks and pronounced singlets for the −(CH2)n− repeating units.

Influences of surface active-groups on the exothermic properties and oxidation of coal molecules

In this study, coal samples' reactive group contents were changed using extractants, and the effects of the reactive group contents spontaneous coal combustion were investigated using infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the coal samples' hydroxyl group contents decreased in the order ethylenediamine (3.832 %) > N-methyl-2-pyrollidone mixed solution (2.091 %) > petroleum ether (0.882 %) > toluene (0.495 %) and that the hydroxyl group content was inversely related to the characteristic temperature point. RDG analysis showed that ethylenediamine formed N–H–O hydrogen bonds with hydroxyl-group-bearing molecules, coal molecules formed C–H–O hydrogen bonds with NMP molecules, petroleum ether generated a cumulative dispersive force with aliphatic side chains, and toluene molecules' benzene rings formed a very stable spatial structure with coal molecules' benzene rings. The thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry curves showed that because the characteristic temperature points of the extracted coal samples moved to the high-temperature region from T5 onward, the coal samples had to be heated to a higher temperature to reach the energy required for the reaction. From the DSC thermograms, the exergy decreased in the order toluene (110.68 J/g) > NMP (110.52 J/g) > ethylenediamine (78.29 J/g) > petroleum ether (65.45 J/g). With increasing temperature from T1 to T6, the Pearson correlation coefficients of the alcoholic and phenolic hydroxyl groups were calculated at −0.7, −0.72, −0.93, −0.84, −0.8, −0.8, and −0.93 and −0.72, −0.91, −0.83, −0.79, −0.815, and −0.91, respectively, indicating that the hydroxyl group content influenced the coal's spontaneous combustion more than the other groups' contents.

Lyotropic liquid crystal and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems nanoparticles as artesunic acid and praziquantel carriers: An innovative approach for formulation of anti-malaria and schistosomicidal drugs

Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for treating cestode and trematode infections, and it is currently the only option against schistosomiasis. Artesunic acid (AcART) is effective against several parasites and has emerged as an alternative for schistosomiasis treatment. However, AcART and PZQ have limited bioavailability due to poor water solubility, low permeability, and rapid cell clearance. To address these challenges, this study aimed to develop self-emulsifying drug delivery systems to develop SEDDS and NPs-LLC to overcome the low water solubility affecting AcART and PZQ bioavailability. The study involved validating the HPLC analytical methodology for AcART, SEDDS, and NPs-LLC formulations, and conducting physicochemical characterization and ex-vivo intestinal permeation assays. The composition of formulations was determined by the solubility balance of AcART and PZQ. The drug content ranged between 83 and 90 %. The anionic zeta potential was attributed to Myverol®, and the particle diameter increased slightly after the drug incorporation, while the polydispersity index indicated the relatively narrow particle size distribution. Additionally, the DSC thermogram confirmed that PZQ and AcART are in solution within SEDDS and NPs-LLC. The FTIR analysis suggests that components of SEDDS and NPs-LLC and drugs do not react to form new chemical species. The selection of specific compound formulations was based on achieving the best solubility balance. The nanostructures were stable and exhibited a surface charge favorable to mucosal permeation, with slightly superior performance for SEDDS. The innovative formulations, SEDDS and NPs-LLC, are suitable and effective carriers for AcART and PZQ.

Formulation, Optimization, and Evaluation of Solid-lipid Formulation for Bioavailability Enhancement Utilizing Diltiazem Hydrochloride

Background: Cardiac arrhythmia is a health concern, requiring effective medication for proper treatment. Diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ.HCL), a class IV anti-arrhythmic calcium channel blocker, was used as a model drug due to its ability to block Ca++ channels in the SA and AV nodes, reducing calcium entry into cardiac cells and subsequently decreasing the force of contraction and oxygen consumption by the heart. Despite its good oral absorption, DTZ.HCL bioavailability is reduced to approximately 40% due to extensive first-pass metabolism. A nano-enabled drug delivery system has the advantage of incorporating both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs with improved physical stability and enhanced bioavailability. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a solid-lipid formulation utilizing diltiazem hydrochloride and evaluate it for its bioavailability enhancement. Method: In the experimental study, SLNs were prepared using the microemulsion technique. A blend ratio (1:1) of lipid (stearic acid: compritol 888 ATO), span 80, PEG 200, and water was selected based on the microemulsion region obtained from the Triplot (4.1) ternary phase diagram. The hydrophilic drug diltiazem hydrochloride was incorporated into the lipid blend, and a preheated Smix was maintained at 80°C to obtain a transparent microemulsion, which then crystallized to form SLNs upon subsequent dispersion in cold water (1:25). Critical process parameters, including magnetic stirring speed, homogenizer speed, and probe sonication cycle, were optimized using Design Expert 10 software to achieve the desired particle size diameter, PDI, and entrapment efficiency. Results: The results revealed that the particle size and PDI were significantly influenced by the span 80 and PEG 200. An increase in the concentration of the lipid blend resulted in large particle sizes. The optimized formulation showed a particle size of 415.4±0.2 nm, PDI of 0.184±0.01, and zeta potential of -24.19±0.12 mV. These results were corroborated by DSC thermograms, which indicated reduced enthalpy associated with the reduced particle size of SLNs. Given that diltiazem hydrochloride is a hydrophilic drug with high water solubility, the entrapment efficiency was relatively 30.6% ±0.45. In vitro release studies demonstrated an initial burst release, followed by a sustained release of 85% over 24 hours. The optimized SLNs followed the Higuchi matrix model, with a coefficient of correlation (R²) value of 0.9369. Conclusion: Results concluded successful development of SLNs with improved bioavailability when compared by way of in-vitro method with marketed preparations.

Biosynthetic capabilities of Antarctic yeast Sporobolomyces roseus AL103: Temperature influence on intracellular metabolites and characterization of the exopolysaccharide

The purpose of the study was to investigate the biosynthetic properties of the Antarctic yeast strain Sporobolomyces roseus AL103 in response to temperature changes, to perform intracellular metabolic profiling, and to reveal the chemical and functional characteristics of the synthesized exopolysaccharide (EPS). The results show that the yeast strain needed a shorter time to reach a stationary phase at 22 °C contrary to that of 5 °C. An NMR analysis revealed differences in metabolic profiles of amino acids, glucose, trehalose, glycerol, uridine, etc. EPS (2.9 g/L) was characterized by high–molecular-weight with total carbohydrate, uronic acids, and protein content of 66 %, 10.5 %, and 2.5 %, respectively. Mannose (74 mol%) and galactose (19 mol%) were the major constituents. The FT-IR data suggested the presence of β-(1–4)-mannan. DSC thermogram, WVTR, mechanical properties, and moisture sorption of the EPS film showed thermal stability up to 220 °C and hydrophilic behavior. The newly obtained polymer film was studied for the first time and the data showed possibilities for its successful application as a film-forming material in the preparation of packaging materials. In conclusion, the temperature influenced the metabolic profile of the Antarctic yeast producer. The biotechnological process could be directed to obtain the target intracellular or extracellular metabolites.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Stability Assessment of A Topical Formulation Comprising Allium cepa and Quercetin for Cutaneous Scar Management

The 12% Allium cepa extract topical formulation, with proven clinical benefits, targets improved surgical scar appearance. This study aims to comprehensively assess the physicochemical characteristics and stability of a scar-reducing formulation (15% Allium cepa-micellar extract, 0.01% quercetin). In vitro-release and skin permeation studies were conducted, alongside FTIR and DSC analyses to elucidate the skin permeation mechanism. Quercetin remaining at 25 and 40 °C ranged from 99 to 100% (day 60) and 101 to 104% (day 90), while antioxidant activity (53-65%, day 90) remained comparable to the standard quercetin (84.70% at 40 μg/mL). In the context of in vitro quercetin release, the performances were ranked as shallot-micellar extract &gt; scar-reducing formulation plus shallot-micellar extract &gt; scar-reducing formulation, with no significant differences observed (P &lt; 0.05). Importantly, scar-reducing formulation plus shallot-micellar extract and shallot-micellar extract showed a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) compared to shallot-water extract and the commercial product. The treated skin showed minor changes in the microstructure compared to untreated skin, indicating a gentle formulation, as observed in the FT-IR spectra and DSC thermograms. The findings from skin permeation mechanism studies imply that the scar-reducing formulation may deposit on the skin surface with minor alterations to the skin microstructure. A crucial consideration for future investigations is a long-term stability assessment of at least 12 months at 30°C, following ASEAN guidelines. The scar-reducing formulation was stable at 25°C, without exceeding 40°C for 90 days. Storage at 4°C is not recommended due to the potential risk of decreased solubility and quercetin precipitation.

Impact of Different Substituents on Thermal Curing and Flame‐Retardant Behaviors of 2,2′‐Methylenebis(4‐nitrophenol)‐Based (Poly)benzoxazines

AbstractPolymerization of benzoxazine at low temperatures is important because the high‐temperature polymerization restricts its utilization in a wide range of applications, though the polybenzoxazines possess excellent properties. The effect of nitro functionality and various substituents on the thermal curing of benzoxazine and the flame‐retardant behavior are mainly focused in this study. In the present work, 2,2′‐methylenebis(4‐nitrophenol) (NBP) was synthesized from 4‐nitrophenol and is used for the synthesis of benzoxazine derivatives with five structurally different aromatic amines. As the synthesized benzoxazine contains nitro‐groups in the phenolic part and various substituted functional groups in different positions of the amine part, the curing temperatures significantly varied among each other. The effect of different substituents on the thermal ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of benzoxazine was studied with exotherms of the DSC thermogram. The 4‐fluoroaniline and 2‐aminobenzotrifluoride‐based benzoxazines show the highest and lowest curing temperatures of 272 and 189 °C, respectively, which is based on their substituents and their position that can act as an internal catalyst. The resulting polybenzoxazines possess higher char yield (49% ≤ 63%) and higher values of LOI (37 ≤ 43) including excellent flame retardant (UL94‐V0) behaviors suggesting that the polybenzoxazine can be used as coatings for high‐performance industrial applications.

Pengaruh Compatibilizer Polyvinyl Alcohol-graft-Maleic Anhydride (PVA-g-MAH) terhadap Karakteristik Plastik Degradable Berbasis Pati Sagu dan Pati Biji Nangka

Degradable plastics may be employed as a substitute for conventional plastics in various commercial applications. Plastics made from starch and PVA-g-MAH are biodegradable. This research uses sago and jackfruit starch, a maleic anhydride compatibilizer, and PVA to make degradable plastics stronger. The research method consists of several stages, making sago starch and jackfruit seed starch, preparing degradable plastic synthesis, and testing the resulting degradable plastic. The test of mechanical characteristics of degradable plastics carried out is the tensile strength test of 4.41 Mpa - 6.02 MPa on sago starch-based degradable plastic with PVA-g-MAH, while the tensile strength of 6.86 - 8.43 MPa on jackfruit seed starch-based degradable plastic with PVA-g-MAH. The test shows that the compound is hydrophilic, meaning it binds to water and is easily degraded by soil. The DSC thermogram shows that the plastic samples degrade when heated, both thermogram peaks occur which indicate physical changes. The swelling value obtained in sago starch degradable plastic with PVA-g-MAH is (28.14-72.17%) while in jackfruit seed starch degradable plastic, the swelling obtained ranges from (25.91-84.72%) showing a good result. Sago starch and jackfruit seed starch degradable plastics degraded in 6-18 days using PVA-g-MAH. Sago starch and jackfruit seed starch-based plastics using PVA-g-MA meet the ASTM 6400 standard for biodegradable plastics. The plastic should be able to biodegrade up to 60% within six months or 90% within one year.

The Investigation of Phase Transformation Process of Nano-Citrogypsum via Recycling Saline Solution

Because citric acid may be used to preserve food, the citric acid business has grown to play a significant role in the food and beverage sector. Environmental problems with gypsum waste, or citrogypsym, resulted from the manufacture of citric acid. Calcium sulfate dihydrate (DH), with low material physical characteristics, is the primary component of gypsum. As a result, the goal of this research is to examine the phase transformation process of citrogypsum using the hydrothermal process, which is a method of recrystallizing an example solution in an appropriate setting. To do this, a recycling calcium chloride solution was used, and it was heated to 95°C for five hours under atmospheric pressure to form alpha calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α-HH). The present of -OH at 1600 cm-1 wave numbers in the FT-IR spectra of α-HH, indicates that CaSO4 has 0.5 water molecules in its crystal. Moreover, the DSC thermograms of α-HH reveal endothermic peaks at 151.2°C and 183.14°C, respectively, which correspond to the loss of 0.5 water molecules in CaSO4. The TGA thermogram of α-HH also shows a crystal water content of 4.5 wt%. Furthermore, SEM images validate the hexagonal structure of α-HH morphology. In addition, because chloride ions have an impact on corrosive materials, the saline solution can be recycled at least four times to save money and the environment.

Effect of carboxymethyl cellulose binder on physical, thermal, and rheological properties of milk protein isolate/guar gum mixture powder

This study examined the effect of fluidized-bed agglomeration with a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder on the physical, thermal, and rheological properties of agglomerated milk protein isolate (MPI)-guar gum (GG) mixtures (AMGs). The agglomeration process produced larger and more porous particles, improving solubility and powder flowability. An exothermic event followed by an endothermic event was observed in DSC thermograms. These thermal events tended to occur at a higher temperature with lower enthalpy values as the binder concentration increased. All samples exhibited shear-thinning behavior, with apparent viscosity at 100 s−1 values (0.27–0.29 Pa s) for AMGs being lower than for non-agglomerated MPI-GG mixture (NAMG; 0.34 Pa s). Viscoelastic moduli values showed similar trends. Additionally, compared to NAMG, larger and more guar gum lumps occurred in the AMGs. These findings suggest that the agglomeration process with CMC promoted depletion interactions between the protein and polysaccharide components in the mixture system.

Manifesting the Dasatinib-gallic acid co-amorphous system to augment anticancer potential: Physicochemical characterization, in silico molecular simulation, ex vivo permeability, and in vitro efficacy

Dasatinib (DAB) has been explored for repurposing in the treatment of breast cancer (BC) due to its known effectiveness in treating leukemia, in addition to its role as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Gallic acid (GA) was chosen as a co-former due to its anticancer potential in BC, as demonstrated in several previous studies. DAB is a low-solubility drug, which is a significant hurdle for its oral bioavailability. To address this limitation, a DAB and GA co-amorphous (DAB-GA-CA) system was developed using liquid-assisted grinding and ball mill technology to enhance solubility, bioavailability, and anti-tumor efficacy. Physical characterization investigation revealed that the emergence of the halo diffractogram in PXRD, single glass transition temperature (Tg) value at 111.7 °C in DSC thermogram, and irregularly shaped blocks with loose, porous surfaces in SEM analysis indicated the formation of the DAB-GA-CA system at 1:1 M ratio. Furthermore, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, in-silico molecular docking, and molecular dynamic studies confirmed the intermolecular hydrogen connections between DAB and GA. Moreover, the outcomes of the ligands (DAB and GA) and receptors (BCL-2, mTOR, estrogen receptor, and HER-2) docking studies demonstrated that both DAB and GA could interact with those receptors, leading to preventive action on BC cells. Additionally, the solubility and dissolution rate significantly improved at pH 6.8, and the permeability study indicated that DAB-GA-CA showed 1.9 times higher apparent permeability compared to crystalline DAB. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity assessments of the DAB-GA-CA system revealed 3.42 times lower IC50 than free DAB. The mitochondrial membrane depolarization, apoptotic index, and reactive oxygen species formation in MCF-7 cells were also notably higher in the DAB-GA-CA system than in free DAB. Hence, this research suggests that the DAB-GA-CA system could substantially enhance oral delivery, solubility, and therapeutic efficacy.

Influence of divalent metal cations on α-lactalbumin fibril formation.

The effect of binding of divalent metal cations (Ca2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Zn2+) on the kinetics of fibril formation of bovine α-lactalbumin at acidic conditions is considered. The kinetic parameters of the process were determined using a thioflavin T fluorescence assay. The DSC thermograms of bovine α-lactalbumin in the presence and absence of cations were recorded. The duration of the lag period correlates with the changes in the thermal stability of the molten globule of the protein in the presence of cations. The final thioflavin T fluorescence intensity after formation of the mature fibrils decreases under the influence of calcium ions which strongly bind to the monomeric protein, and increases in solutions containing copper and especially zinc. These ions seem to accelerate secondary nucleation processes and change the fibril morphology, which was confirmed by atomic force microscopy imaging.

Biodegradable active composite film based on pea protein isolate, sage seed gum, and cumin essential oil: Fabrication and characterization

The present study perused the physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, barrier, and optical properties of pea protein isolate (PPI)-Sage seed gum (SG) (3:1, 1:1, and 1:3) composite films incorporated with cuminum essential oil (CEO, 0, 1, and 2 %). Results indicated that the thickness, contact angle (CA), yellowness index (a*), total color differences (∆E), and opacity (OP) significantly enhanced with increasing PPI portion and CEO concentration (p < 0.05), as well as heterogeneous and inconsistent structure were increased in film surface due to protein agglomeration and oil droplets. However, the moisture content (MC), water solubility (WS), and swelling ratio (SR) decreased. Results also indicated that the antioxidant property significantly increased (P < 0.05) following the increase in CEO concentration. The highest tensile strength (TS) and elastic modulus (EM) and the least elongation at break (EAB) in PPI 3-SG 1–0 % were estimated. The potential antimicrobial property of CEO containing film was confirmed, and the maximum inhibition zone for E.coli, S.aureus, C.albicans, and A.niger were measured in film containing 2 % CEO. The barrier properties of the film against water and oxygen (WVP, OXP) diminished with increases the SG ratios, due to the hydrophilic nature of SG. The FTIR analysis identified the functional groups in film components and the interaction between film components. The DSC thermogram indicated the thermal stability of films and the highest decomposition temperature in PPI 3-SG 1–2 % film. XRD revealed a semi-crystalline structure of biopolymer active films. With the increase of SG portion and CEO concentration, the crystallinity of the films was enhanced. Results also indicated that prepared films were more than 90 % biodegradable.

Wood flour / ceramic reinforced Polylactic Acid based 3D - printed functionally grade structural material for integrated engineering applications: A numerical and experimental characteristic investigation

Recently, efforts have been done to capitalize on the potential of multidisciplinary research in order to produce unique features in polymer technology. To improve its physical and chemical properties for any intended use, the most promising Polylactic acid (PLA) has recently been copolymerized using other polymeric or non-polymeric components. This investigation aims to employ the material extrusion (MEX) process to develop a new functionally grade structural material (FGSM) by alternate layer deposition of wood flour reinforced PLA (WPLA) and ceramic reinforced PLA (CPLA). The mechanical properties of the printed laminates are examined using tensile, compression and three point bend tests. The microscopic investigation is used to assess fracture morphologies. A numerical simulation is also performed using ABAQUS under standardized parametric settings to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the laminates. The experimental and numerical results are consistent, with a deviation about ∼1 %. The tensile, compressive, and flexural strength of the newly developed FGSM are 61.39, 95.4, and 107.8 % higher than those of WPLA printed laminates. Furthermore, the acquired mechanical behaviour results are merely comparable to those of CPLA printed laminates. DSC thermograms demonstrate that FGSM has a better glass transition temperature (66oC) and a cold crystalline temperature (87.63oC), which contributes to its thermal stability. Overall, the newly developed FGSM might be considered a viable alternative, mechanically strong, and less expensive polymer composite material for structural built applications in any engineering and related fields.

Assessing physicochemical characteristics of a shear-thinning polysaccharide mucilage extracted from marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L.) by an ohmic heating system

Althaea officinalis L. root mucilage holds promise for food industries due to its functional properties. Despite various extraction techniques, ohmic systems remain underexplored for mucilage extraction. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of mucilage extraction using ohmic systems with maceration and investigate their physicochemical properties. The mucilage extraction was carried out utilizing maceration (M), ohmic-assisted extraction (OAE), and ohmic-assisted vacuum extraction (OAVE). Various parameters were evaluated, such as densities and specific energy consumption. The mucilage obtained by OAE had the highest yield (8.9 %). The highest solubility corresponded to the mucilage obtained by the OAE system (85.18 % at 65 °C). OAVE mucilage had 76.16 % swelling and 82.5 g water/g dry sample binding capacity, while OAE mucilage had 19.6 g water/g dry sample binding capacity. The OAVE mucilage oil absorption (12.3 g oil/g dry sample) was almost twice that of the OAE system. Rheological analysis characterized them as a pseudoplastic behavior. DSC thermogram of mucilage samples exhibited a singular endothermic peak (92.05 to 108.3 °C). FTIR analysis highlighted that the primary constituents of mucilage samples predominantly consisted of polysaccharides. This study concluded that ohmic-assisted extraction was the most efficient method for obtaining mucilage. Further research could explore the potential applications of this mucilage.

Effect of TiO₂ Addition on Elastic Moduli, Optical Bandgap, and Electrical Conductivity of xTiO₂-(0.30-x)Bi₂O₃-0.10ZnO-0.60TeO₂ Glassy Systems with Improved Thermal Stability

Glassy systems with the chemical composition xTiO2-(0.30-x)Bi2O3-0.10ZnO-0.60TeO2 (x = 0.05,0.10,0.15,0.20) have been synthesized using the melt quench approach. Numerous physical, electrical, optical, and other features of elastic moduli have been evaluated as titanium oxide concentration rises. The amorphous properties of the materials under inspection are displayed in the XRD pattern. As the concentration of arsenic rises, the glasses' density falls from 4.18 to 3.96 g/cm3, while their molar volume rises from 48.21 to 53.06 cm3mol-1. The elastic properties of the synthesized glasses, such as the shear (S) and longitudinal (L) stresses, bulk modulus (K), Young's modulus (Y), and Poisson's ratio (Pr), have all been measured using the measured values of the ultrasonic velocities. The increase in elastic moduli values showed that the materials' elastic qualities have been improved. The results are explained in terms of a significant structural alteration caused by molecular rearrangement, which controls the physical properties of the glass. The addition of titanium oxide is shown to cause a decrease in Urbach energies from 0.96 to 0.67 eV, which results in an increase in the optical band gap energies from 2.96 to 3.33 eV. DSC thermogram measurements reveal mechanically enhanced and thermally stable materials with potential for use in semiconducting devices.